Soft Top Strap Rigging

[Java]

Just put the top on my Jeep, looks like rain possible tomorrow, and I broke one of the major straps in a pretty bad spot. I had a spare door limiting strap, so I used that with some Gorilla Glue, water and staples to rig it up for the weekend. I put GG on both surfaces, sprayed all of it with water and clamped it to a piece of scrap wood. I shot staples in, pulled the wood off and bent them over. Then I flipped it and repeated, added a tarp bungee that was laying around and hopefully I'm set! Time to start top shopping, or maybe learn how to sew...

[Brian]

Google "hand held sewing machine." They're great for stitching up odd patterns and irregular surfaces like you got there.

[Jim]

That right there could be a 20 year fix!

Doink previously posted:

[Spieg]

New tops are $$. If that's the only problem with the top, I'd try to fix it. It'll take a pretty stout (Commercial/Industrial) sewing machine to do it right. I'd think an upholstery shop could fix that in a few minutes if you bring them the top removed from the vehicle (I'd give Hutches a call).

[Eagle6]

Don't waste your money on one of the handhelds. They don't have the power or the ability to run a heavy enough duty thread.

If that is all you have to repair, any good canvas shop in the area will probably sew your strap back on for $20-30 bucks.

[Brian]

Good point. By no means would they be a good permeant solution, but for a temp fix it's better than glue.

[Jim]

For the amount of stitching, hand stitch is reasonable. I stitched zipper repairs on the old jeep top - took a bit of work, but certainly doable. The strap wouldn't have too much time involved (but it would be easy to take into someone with a heavy duty sewing machine - an awning / sign shop or boat cover place comes to mind).

[Patrolman]

I have fixed similar things in the past. Basically have the strap under the cloth like you glued it. Drill 1-2 holes depending on how much room there is. Use a pop rivet with a pair of washers to securely fasten the strap to the top. I have done this with bikini tops as well as backpacks. Even did this on a set of overalls! A good "permanent" fix without spending a lot of cash. It might not look the best, but I have never had one fail!